Tom Kennard (Chairman) Expand Tom is a businessman, entrepreneur and keen marine advocate. Tom has been a shark enthusiast since looking into UK shark catches for his dissertation and now promotes sustainability, funding and marine engagement through his various roles including as a trustee at the National Marine Aquarium. Tom is involved at a strategic level with a number of key organisations in the UK and overseas, and is keen to ensure a sustainable future for shark species in particular.
Sarah Fowler OBE (Founding Trustee) Expand Sarah has worked in marine ecology, conservation and management for over 25 years. She was Deputy Head of the former Nature Conservancy Council’s Marine Science Branch, the Nature Bureaus Director of Marine and Coastal Services and Co-founder of the European Elasmobranch Association. She was co-chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission Shark Specialist Group and appointed a Pew Fellow in Marine Conservation in 2005. She was awarded the OBE for services to marine conservation in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Roger Covey Expand Senior specialist marine officer for Natural England - Roger has worked in marine conservation nationally and regionally for more than 20 years, ranging from marine survey work throughout the UK during the early 1990s, to conservation roles in Cornwall & Isles of Scilly. He is recognised nationally as one of the leading figures in marine conservation and has chaired numerous meetings and events on marine issues.
Richard Peirce Expand Writer, broadcaster and author Richard Peirce has been a wildlife activist for over 30 years and sharks have been his main focus. Founder of the Shark Conservation Society and a long time Shark Trust member, past chairman for 11 years and current trustee his current books ‘The Poacher’s Moon’, ‘Giant Steps’, ‘Nicole’ and ‘Cuddle Me, Kill Me’ all carry powerful awareness and conservation messages.
Stephen Allen Expand A partner with GA solicitors, Stephen has more than 30 years of experience in court work and dispute resolution and hopes to bring these skills and perspectives to the work of the Trust. He has a broad interest in wildlife and conservation. He is a keen snorkeller and occasional diver and has been lucky enough to see Angelsharks off the Canaries.
Dan Fairweather Expand After graduating from Nottingham University with a Zoology degree, Dan spent time working within the biotechnology industry before retraining as a fish biologist. Dan joined the insurance sector in 2000 as a specialist aquaculture claims broker before moving into account handling and placement. In 2012 Dan was recruited by Willis Towers Watson to head up the Aquaculture Division where he handles their global aquaculture account and the development of risk services. Latterly he has been working with colleagues to develop insurance products to protect against environmental damage of marine ecosystems.
Jayne Ensell-Bowen Expand Jayne spent many years as an HR manager in the communications, banking, and education sectors. Since moving to the West Country she has also become a Registered Homeopath and practices in Devon and Cornwall. As a parent she has a deep concern for the future of our world, our seas, and our wildlife. She hopes to use her skills and knowledge to support the Trust in their shark conservation work.
Charles Hood Expand Charles runs specialist Basking Shark and Blue Shark tours out of Penzance. Encountering sharks in the wild is a key means of gaining the public’s support for their survival and dispelling the myth that sharks are simply man-eaters. Charles’ close interaction with British sharks has also grabbed media attention, featuring on The One Show and the BBC’s Britain’s Secret Seas. A keen underwater photographer, Charles’ images have been used in many worldwide publications to promote marine conservation, including Shark Trust campaigns.